A licensing application by Forestry England to serve alcoholic beverages at a Harry Potter-themed event has been rejected by Cannock Chase District Council. The illuminations trail, scheduled for October at Cannock Chase Forest in Staffordshire, would have featured scenes from the Harry Potter franchise along a designated route.
Forestry England had sought permission to sell mulled wine and Irish cream hot chocolate to visitors walking the trail, in addition to a request to play music along portions of the route. The council received more than 75 objections to the application. During the licensing hearing, a Reform UK councillor questioned the appeal of the proposed beverages, suggesting that typical consumers would not purchase such drinks.
Residents raised multiple concerns about the proposal, citing safety risks associated with alcohol consumption in the forest environment at night. One objector noted the woods are dark and dense in evening hours, and argued that alcohol would compound these risks. Another resident expressed worry about the combination of drinking and driving, stating people should not be encouraged to travel to an event, consume alcohol, and then operate vehicles. Concerns were also raised about the proposed operating hours of 15:30 to 22:30, with residents expecting to enjoy quiet evenings, and references were made to previous problems including noise and parking issues.
Representatives from the event production company Culture Creative Limited stated that background music would be confined to limited areas and noted that approximately one in five visitors typically consumed alcohol at similar events. Jon Payne from Forestry England described the event as family-oriented with limited alcohol service from restricted outlets throughout the forest.
The council’s licensing sub-committee ultimately declined to grant the licence as requested. The non-alcoholic branded drink Butterbeer, which would have been available at the event, was not affected by the decision.
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